WHICH Macclesfield eyesore would you like to see wiped off the map? Or is there a landmark you want to see protected and secured for eternity?

As a backlash against council plans, a new website with its own virtual take on town centre ‘redevelopment’ is allowing Maxonians to cast their vote on ugly buildings they would prefer to see in ruins and those which should forever remain standing.

The ‘Demolition Macclesfield’ website gives the public free rein to express their true thoughts of the town’s structures, by placing them on a ‘protect’ or ‘destroy’ list.

Jeff Coughlan, the website’s creator, was outraged to hear of plans to demolish Dukes Court, where his design firm Matmi is based.

Mr Coughlan, 34, decided to take action by giving the public their own, independent voice. He said: “The reason for the site is to get the people of Macclesfield to think about the town centre redevelopment and the impact of destroying wonderful parts of Macclesfield in the name of ‘progress’.

“Many fellow Maxonians also think that the town centre redevelopment will not happen. It seems that there is a growing resentment of some regeneration projects whereas a proliferation of chain stores across the country is turning the UK into a series of ‘clone towns’.”

He added: “After some extensive research, it seems that Macclesfield’s population are concerned that these plans have not been thought through properly by the council, the developers Wilson Bowden and the residents of Macclesfield. The only redevelopments that work are ones that take into consideration the quirky things like courtyards, there is no point demolishing them and all the town’s history.

“Demolition Macclesfield”, which forms part of residents’ opposition to the proposed building of a TJ Hughes in place of Duke’s Court, also allows users to submit their own photos of buildings to face public scrutiny.

Mr Coughlan has also included the email addresses of local councillors and Sir Nicholas Winterton, to make it easier for people to voice their planning-related concerns.

The irate resident added: “The town centre plans have had plenty of setbacks and some poor decisions have been made by the planning department. The plans seem to be constantly changing. Now Dukes Court and many of the buildings on Duke Street are set to be demolished. This was never in the original plans – whereas Craven House, one of the ugliest pieces of architecture in Macclesfield, has been saved from demolition.

“The Council does not seem to be that bothered about the destruction of these local businesses and probably one of the nicest parts the town centre.”

A council spokesman said: “We note with interest the buildings on the website, and the designer is entitled to his opinions. Wilson Bowden’s proposals do not involve the demolition of any listed buildings.

“Dukes Court has never really worked as a speciality shopping centre and Wilson Bowden’s proposals have always included some form of building there. In fact, it was purchased a number of years ago by a property developer who was one of the unsuccessful bidders to carry out the town centre redevelopment.

“However, we have a very exciting opportunity for 21st century Macclesfield, a scheme which has attracted brands such as Debenhams. It’s important that this part of East Cheshire is given a retail boost.”